This brochure, "Researching: Security" by the Alliance of Scientific Organizations, aims to give you an impression of the expertise and diversity reseachers in Germany are bringing to bear in their efforts to enhance our safety and security. It is part of a series of publications on the five major areas of the "High-Tech Strategy 2020": climate and energy, health and nutrition, mobility, security, and communication.

We do research for people. This motto applies not only to our research in the area of health, where we investigate the causes and mechanisms of major common diseases, but also to our other five research fields, which range from energy to fundamental questions about the structure of matter. This annual report is designed to inform you about developments, projects and achievements at the Helmholtz Association.

Research in sophisticated scientific topics frequently requires large-scale and complex scientific infrastructures. At the Helmholtz Association, the existing scientific infrastructures, financed primarily by federal funding, provide outstanding research conditions and thus ensure that the association maintains its capacity to work at the highest standards. With the help of such infrastructures, new research fields can be developed and crucial scientific advances can be made. Research infrastructures pave the way for significant advances by facilitating not only deeper insights into nature, but also the concrete development of useful materials, effective diagnostic and treatment methods and new technologies.

This brochure, "Researching: Communications" by the Alliance of Scientific Organizations, shows the high level of expertise, innovation and commitment with which scientists at German universities and research institutes are tackling the many challenges posed by digital communications. It is part of a series of publications on the five major areas of the "High-Tech Strategy 2020": climate and energy, health and nutrition, mobility, security, and communication.

In this brochure, "Researching: Health" by the Alliance of Scientific Organizations, we would like to take you on a journey through the health research being carried out today for the benefit of medical care tomorrow. This brochure is part of a series of publications on the five major areas of the "High-Tech Strategy 2020": climate and energy, health and nutrition, mobility, security, and communication.

“With Energy into the Future” is the motto informing this year’s report regarding our activities in research and research politics. Read more about the latest projects in the six research fields, technology transfer and the results of important activities we have started in 2009.